answer 1 of 2

Definition of answernext
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2
as in result
something attained by mental effort and especially by computation the answers to the odd-numbered problems are at the back of the book

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in reaction
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior a cold stare was her withering answer to that gratuitous insult

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

answer

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verb

1
as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction didn't answer right away when the detective asked him where he'd been for the last three hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun answer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

Where would rejoinder be a reasonable alternative to answer?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for answer?

The meanings of reply and answer largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When might response be a better fit than answer?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

In what contexts can retort take the place of answer?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

How does the noun answer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

Where would rejoinder be a reasonable alternative to answer?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for answer?

The meanings of reply and answer largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When might response be a better fit than answer?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

In what contexts can retort take the place of answer?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of answer
Noun
About 27 more years, to age 92 Only about one-third of us know the correct answer, which is B, according to a new report from TIAA Institute, the research arm of the financial services nonprofit. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 The Bruins shot 56% from the floor, 48% from three and had an answer for every run from the Spartans. Matt Finkel, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
After Yale answered with a 3, Thrower rebounded his own miss in the paint and followed up in traffic for an 84-81 lead. CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026 At one point, Waliczko and Smith were exchanging baskets, answering each other as the crowd became even more engaged knowing these were two future WNBA players doing battle. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for answer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for answer
Noun
  • Both countries have been struck during Iran's response after the United States and Israel launched a wave of attacks on Iran.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Aunt Fely’s response was instant.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • One of the hosts yelled repeatedly about the results, complained about just about everything and dropped a lot of F-bombs.
    Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The brothers faced a few unsuccessful trials before achieving the final result.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Knowing this value helps scientists predict chemical stability and reaction pathways.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Below, Withers opens up about bringing Ledger to life off the page, navigating grief onscreen in Reminders of Him and in real life, his reaction to the success he’s seen in recent years, his dream role and more.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Representatives for Sable did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The State Department and White House did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Futures on China’s 30-year and 10-year bonds dropped the most since late December on Monday, while corresponding cash yields climbed.
    Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Just like with trees, it was thought that each ring corresponded to a single year of age.
    Regina G. Barber, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On Wednesday night, with a dose of pentobarbital pumped into a vein, Ricks’ wish was fulfilled.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
  • For now, Tibbs is content to be fulfilling his potential with one organization.
    Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In a briefing with reporters earlier, a Meta legal spokesperson said the company didn't believe that youth mental health struggles, both broadly and with Kaley specifically, could be solved through litigation.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
  • To solve the problem, graduate student James Talavage and Professor Ou Ma designed a system called Dual-Arm Zero Momentum.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The news outlets that obtained the internal communications did not publish those replies in question.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps the most notable reply came from Crumbl itself, which took a gracious approach rather than a defensive one.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Answer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/answer. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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